Written By Hampton University
Truist, through its Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation, presented Hampton University with a $250,000 grant to fund the university’s “Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals, from Underserved Populations in Newport News and Hampton” program. Truist’s Virginia Regional President, Thomas Ransom, presented a check on behalf of Truist to Hampton University President, Darrell K. Williams at the university’s museum, alongside local Truist leadership and university leadership and administrators.
“Truist is proud to make this investment in Hampton University’s workforce development program,” said Thomas Ransom, Virginia Regional President at Truist. “Our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities and one way we bring our purpose to life is through strong community partnerships and programmatic investments, with a special focus on creating opportunities for economic mobility and independence. We look forward to seeing the success and stability of future program participants, as well as their contributions to our local economies and communities.”
The “Building Economic Mobility for Low and Moderately Skilled Individuals” program provides hands-on training and certifications in construction trades for over 100 students in each year-long cohort. The program creates a skills transformation by upskilling and reskilling to generate qualified candidates for Virginia’s workforce, as well as sustainable careers for program participants. The program and university also collaborate with partners from faith-based institutions, law enforcement, high schools, community-based organizations, and area municipalities to round out its workforce development programming. Truist’s grant will allow Hampton University to expand the program’s reach and impact.
“Hampton University is thrilled to collaborate with Truist to advance our mission of positioning students and our communities for success,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. “The Truist collaboration underscores the importance of private-sector partnerships in addressing the evolving needs of the workforce.
“This substantial investment not only strengthens the university’s position as a leader in education but also reinforces Truist’s commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves.”